Associate Attorney

Full Time

Job Shift
Day

Education Level:

Graduate Degree

Travel Percentage
Up to 50%

Legal
Description:
We are seeking a highly motivated and collaborative Municipal Law Associate to join our Bay Area office. This position offers the opportunity to work closely with public agencies on sophisticated and impactful legal matters affecting California communities. The ideal candidate will possess strong research, writing, analytical, and advocacy skills, along with a demonstrated interest in public agency and municipal law.

This role involves advising municipalities, special districts, and other public entities across a broad spectrum of legal and regulatory matters while supporting litigation, transactional, and advisory work.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide legal counsel and support across a wide range of municipal law practice areas, including but not limited to:
• Cannabis
• Code Enforcement
• Contracts & Public Works
• Economic Development
• Education
• Elections
• Energy & Utilities
• Environment & Natural Resources
• Ethics & Open Government
• Franchises
• Housing
• Labor & Employment
• Land Use & Zoning
• Litigation
• Mining
• Mobilehome Parks & Rent Control
• Property Acquisition & Takings
• Public Agency Organization
• Public Finance
• Public Safety
• Real Estate
• Risk Management & Torts
• Telecommunications
• Toxics & Hazardous Waste
• Water Law
• Conduct legal research and analyze complex legal issues; prepare memoranda, briefs, opinions, and other written work product for supervising attorneys and clients.
• Draft, review, analyze, and revise legal documents, including contracts, agreements, ordinances, resolutions, policies, and other municipal documents.
• Perform discovery and manage electronically stored information and hard-copy records in preparation for litigation and administrative proceedings.
• Conduct due diligence reviews related to contracts, agreements, real estate transactions, and public agency matters.
• Evaluate legal claims and analyze probable case outcomes using legal precedent and statutory interpretation to identify potential liabilities and risk exposure for clients.
• Advise public agency clients regarding legal rights, obligations, litigation strategy, regulatory compliance, governance, and business transactions.
• Represent clients in court proceedings, administrative hearings, mediations, public meetings, and before government agencies, as appropriate.
• Develop litigation strategies, prepare arguments, evaluate evidence, and assist in all phases of dispute resolution and trial preparation.
• Interview clients, witnesses, and stakeholders to investigate facts, gather evidence, and support legal proceedings.
• Review and analyze public records, legal filings, and other relevant materials to prepare legal opinions and identify legal or procedural complexities.
• Collaborate with attorneys across multiple practice areas to develop comprehensive legal solutions for clients.
• Maintain effective and professional communication with clients consistent with the direction of supervising attorneys.
• Supervise and work collaboratively with legal secretaries, paralegals, and other support staff as needed.
• Perform administrative and practice management responsibilities associated with the effective delivery of legal services.
• Complete special projects and perform additional related duties as assigned.
• Maintain compliance with all firm policies, procedures, and professional standards.

Qualifications:

• Active membership in good standing with the California State Bar required.
• One to three (1–3+) years of experience practicing law preferred, ideally with exposure to municipal, public agency, or litigation matters.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a high-volume and fast-paced workload while maintaining strong attention to detail and responsiveness to client needs.
• Experience or familiarity with municipal law, public agency representation, or related practice areas is highly desirable.
• Prior experience with court appearances, depositions, written discovery, and motion practice is a plus.
• Working knowledge of all phases of litigation, including case evaluation, discovery, motion practice, trial preparation, and dispute resolution.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize competing assignments, meet deadlines, and effectively manage multiple projects under the guidance of supervising attorneys.
• Excellent legal research, analytical, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a client-service-oriented approach and a high level of professionalism.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with attorneys, clients, court personnel, opposing counsel, vendors, and support staff at all levels.
• Working knowledge of California local rules, state court procedures, and applicable federal court rules.
• Trial preparation, courtroom support, and presentation experience preferred.
• Ability to perform effectively in a deadline-driven environment while maintaining composure, professionalism, and a positive attitude.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, exercising sound judgment and carrying assignments through to completion with minimal supervision.
• Adaptable and flexible, with the ability to respond effectively to changing priorities and evolving client needs